Arrangements for Bro. Theodis Maness

Presiding Elder J. Ronzell Maness lost his brother, Theodis Maness on Friday
December 27, 2013. Funeral services will be held in Robbins, North Carolina on Friday, January 3, 2014 at noon.

Funeral home information is as follows:

Simon Funeral Home
151 South Hardin Street
Southern Pine, North Carolina 28387
910-692-3701

Please keep the Maness Family in your prayers.

Mr. Donnell Holt
Augusta-Sparta District
Administrative Assistant to the Elder

Happy New Year 2014 to the CME Church

from

The Christian Index Online

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? 

I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." —Isaiah 43:18-19

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Merry Christmas

from

The Christian Index

and

The Christian Index Online

Arrangements for Mrs. Willie Bell Bowie

The body of Mrs. Willie Bell Bowie, mother of Mrs. Virginia Wilson, has been entrusted to:

Gillespie Funeral Home
9179 Pigeon Roost Rd.
Olive Branch, MS 38654
(662) 895-2470.

Home Going Services
Saturday, December 14, 2013
11 a.m.
St. Paul M.B. Church
5960 Pleasant Hill Rd.
Olive Branch, MS 38654

Mrs. Virginia Wilson is the wife of Presiding Elder Bobby Wilson of the
Olive Branch-Sardis-Holly Springs District of the North-East (MS) Region of the
4th Episcopal District (CME Church). You may send condolences to Mrs.
Wilson at 5032 Hornsby Drive, Memphis, TN 38116 or call (901) 398-0883.

UPDATED 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR FUNERAL OF

LANE COLLEGE PRESIDENT WESLEY C. MCCLURE

Service Time and Place – The funeral service / homegoing celebration for President Wesley Cornelius McClure of Lane College will be Saturday, December 14, 2013, at 11:00 A.M. at the New St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, 1670 North Royal Street, Jackson, Tennessee (phone 731-423-2228; Rev. Dennis E. Blalock, Pastor).
Date of President McClure’s Death – President McClure passed Friday evening, December 6, 2013, at the Jackson Madison County Hospital.
Funeral Home – The Bledsoe Funeral Home of Jackson is being used for the services.  Bledsoe Funeral Home is located at 256 Middleton Street, Jackson, Tennessee  38301.  The telephone number is 731-427-1521, and the funeral home’s fax is 731-427-1522.
In Lieu of Flowers – In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that contributions be made to the Wesley Cornelious McClure Memorial Scholarship Fund, Lane College, 545 Lane Avenue, Jackson, Tennessee  38301.
Family Visitation – A time with the family for visitation will be on Thursday, December 12, 2013, from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at St. Paul CME Church – 282 Middleton Street – Jackson, Tennessee  38301.  The body will lie in state at the Bledsoe Funeral Home of Jackson from 9:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Friday, December 13, 2013.
Address of Family – Persons wishing to address the family should write Mrs. Mary Bradley McClure, 450 Shadow Ridge Drive, Jackson, Tennessee  38305.
Hotel accommodations –  (1) Courtyard at Marriott – 200 Campbell Oaks Dr. – Jackson, Tennessee – 731-422-1818 – Rate is $99.00  Ask for Lane College-McClure Funeral Rate.  (2) Residence Inn – 126 Old Medina Crossing – Jackson, Tennessee – 731-935-4100 – Rate is $109.00.  Ask for Lane College-McClure Funeral Rate.  The rooms are available at these rates for both Friday and Saturday nights.  A third (3rd) choice is the Doubletree Hotel – 1770 Highway 45 Bypass – Jackson, Tennessee  38305 – 731-664-6900.   Please ask for Lane College rate for $89.00.
Preparations for Church Officials – Bishops, General Officers, and other Connectional officials planning to attend the service should contact the office of Bishop Lawrence Reddick, 901-345-4114, no later than 3 P.M. on Wednesday, December 11th.
Robing for Church Officials – Bishops – Please bring black robes with white stoles.  Judicial Council members, General Officers and Connectional Officials – Please bring robes with academic regalia.
  Preparations for Academic Officials – College Presidents, UNCF and NAFEO Officials, and all present and former Lane College Trustees planning to attend the service should contact the Office of the President, 731-426-7523.  Academic Officials – Please dress in academic regalia.

From Bishop Lawrence Reddick
Chair, Lane College Board of Trustees
Wednesday, December 11, 2013

ARRANGEMENTS FOR FUNERAL OF

LANE COLLEGE PRESIDENT WESLEY C. MCCLURE

Service Time and Place – The funeral service / homegoing celebration for President Wesley Cornelius McClure of Lane College will be Saturday, December 14, 2013, at 11:00 A.M. at the New St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, 1670 North Royal Street, Jackson, Tennessee (phone 731-423-2228; Rev. Dennis E. Blalock, Pastor).
Date of President McClure’s Death – President McClure passed Friday evening, December 6, 2013, at the Jackson Madison County Hospital.
Funeral Home – The Bledsoe Funeral Home of Jackson is being used for the services.  Bledsoe Funeral Home is located at 256 Middleton Street, Jackson, Tennessee  38301.  The telephone number is 731-427-1521, and the funeral home’s fax is 731-427-1522.
Address of Family – Persons wishing to address the family should write Mrs. Mary Bradley McClure, 450 Shadow Ridge Drive, Jackson, Tennessee  38305.
Hotel accommodations –  (1) Courtyard at Marriott – 200 Campbell Oaks Dr. – Jackson, Tennessee – 731-422-1818 – Rate is $99.00  Ask for Lane College-McClure Funeral Rate.  (2) Residence Inn – 126 Old Medina Crossing – Jackson, Tennessee – 731-935-4100 – Rate is $109.00.  Ask for Lane College-McClure Funeral Rate.  The rooms are available at these rates for both Friday and Saturday nights.
Preparations for Church Officials – Bishops, General Officers, and other Connectional officials planning to attend the service should contact the office of Bishop Lawrence Reddick, 901-345-4114, no later than 3 P.M. on Wednesday, December 11th.
         Robing for Church Officials – Bishops, please bring black robes with white stoles.  Judicial Council members, General Officers and Connectional Officials, please bring robes with academic regalia.
  Preparations for Academic Officials – College Presidents, UNCF and NAFEO Officials, and all present and former Lane College Trustees planning to attend the service should contact the Office of the President, 731-426-7523.  Academic Officials – Please dress in academic regalia.

From Bishop Lawrence Reddick
Chair, Lane College Board of Trustees
Monday, December 9, 2013

Arrangements for Lane College President Dr. Wesley McClure

                The funeral service /homegoing celebration for President Wesley Cornelius McClure of Lane College will be Saturday, December 14, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the New St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, 1670 North Royal Street, Jackson, Tennessee (phone 731-423-2228; Rev. Dennis E. Blalock, pastor).
                President McClure passed on Friday evening, December 6, 2013, at the Jackson Madison County Hospital.
                The Bledsoe Funeral Home of Jackson is being used for the services.  Bledsoe Funeral Home is located at 256 Middleton Street, Jackson, Tennessee  38301.  The telephone number is 731-427-1521, and the funeral home’s fax is 731-427-1522.
                Persons wishing to address the family should write Mrs. Mary Bradley McClure, 450 Shadow Ridge Drive, Jackson, Tennesee  38305.
                Please expect announcements concerning hotel accommodations in the Jackson area on Monday, December 9th.
                Bishops, General Officers, and other Connectional officials planning to attend the service should contact the office of Bishop Lawrence Reddick, 901-345-4114, no later than 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11th.
                College Presidents, UNCF and NAFEO officials, and all present and former Lane College Trustees planning to attend the service should contact the Office of the President, 731-426-7523.

From Bishop Lawrence Reddick
Chair, Lane College Board of Trustees

Passing of Lane College President Dr. Wesley McClure

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

The Lane College Family mourns the passing of President Wesley Cornelious McClure on Friday evening December 6, 2013 at the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, TN.

We ask your prayers at this time for Mrs. Mary Bradley McClure, the McClure Family and for the Lane College Family - students, staff, faculty and Administration.

President McClure loved Lane College with all his being, giving himself untiringly to its progress.  His presidency has been marked with outstanding growth in the student body and the Campus, and with exemplary personal and professional recognition among his peers.

He will be missed.

Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III
Chair, Lane College Board of Trustees 
Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District 
The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

From The Christian Index

and

The Christian Index Online

Dr. Mae Jane Weeden

June 6, 1937 - Nov. 23, 2013

Dr. Mae Jane Weeden, a resident of Mobile, AL for than 50 years departed this life for eternity on Saturday, November 23, 2013, at a local hospital. Dr. Weeden was born in Sulligent, Alabama, on June 6, 1937. She was a 1956 graduate of Carver High School, Gadsden, Alabama. She received an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters from the Alabama Interdenominational Seminary in 2002. Dr. Weeden was a member of Stewart Memorial CME Church. At her death she was the Mobile District Missionary President and a member of Jordan Pride Chapter #775 Order of Eastern Star Prince Hall Affiliated. Her Community and Civic Organizations include, but not limited to; a member of the Mobile County Democratic Executive Committee, Mobile County PTA Council President, Alabama PTA Board of Directors, Deputy Registrar, Mobile Museum of Art Board, Mobile County Voters League, and the Character and Spiritual Committee for Alabama PTA. Dr. Mae Jane Weeden was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Dr. Albert Dean (A.D.) Weeden, parents; Mr. Toll and Mrs. Evie J. Miller; brother, Toll Miller, Jr., and sister Lucille Miller Golden. She leaves to cherish her memories two devoted sons, Sgt. US Army (ret) Milton F. Weeden and Albert Dean (Monique) Weeden, Jr. Five grandchildren; Jonathan Lathan, Aleena Christian Weeden Bright, Carmen Danielle Weeden, Evie Savannah and Bryce Kendrick Weeden; two sisters; Zelma L. Barnes and Ornnie B. Miller; three brothers, William James (Jacqueline) Miller, Earlie George Miller, and CMSgt. USAF (ret) Jimmie (Lyn) Miller; one sister-in-law Celesta L. Washington and one brother-in-law Theodore R. Golden, Jr.; devoted god-daughter, Kimberly Snowden Bolden. Visitation will be held Saturday November 30, 2013 at Stewart Memorial CME Church from 9 a.m. until to the 11a.m. funeral hour. Rev. Dr. Anthony Alford, Officiating Minister. Interment will follow at the Gethsemane Cemetery, Eight Mile, AL. Arrangements are entrusted to the careful direction of Reese Funeral Home 925 S. Bessemer Ave. Prichard, AL. Condolences may be offered at www.reesefuneralhomeinc.com or www.facebook.com/ReeseFuneralHome

Funeral Services for Rev. O'Neale Shyne, Sr.

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

It is with great sadness that we announce to the members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church the passing of Presiding Elder Emeritus, Rev. O’Neal Shyne, Sr. on Tuesday, November 19, 2013.  Elder Shyne was a former member of the Judicial Council of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and Presiding Elder Emeritus of the Cincinnati-Dayton-Indianapolis District of the Ohio-Central Indiana Region of the Second Episcopal District.  Arrangements are as follows:

Saturday, November 30, 2013
Location:  Phillips Temple C.M.E. Church
3620 Shiloh Springs Rd
Trotwood, OH 45426
(937) 837-9631
Rev. James Washington, Host Pastor

Family Hour:
9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Homegoing Service:
11:00 a.m.

Condolences and Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. Dr. O’Neal Shyne, Jr.
c/o Trinity C.M.E. Church
2253 Dr. Andrew J. Brown, Jr. Street
Indianapolis, Indiana  46205

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:
Rev. O’Neal Shyne, Sr. Memorial Fund
c/o Trinity C.M.E. Church
2253 Dr. Andrew J. Brown, Jr. Street
Indianapolis, Indiana   46205

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to:
H.H. Roberts Funeral Home
38 S Gettysburg Ave, Dayton, OH 45417
(937) 268-6886


In His Service,


Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr.
Presiding Prelate
Second Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Passing of AME Bishop Sarah Frances Taylor Davis

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

 

On Saturday, November 9th, Bishop Sarah Frances Taylor Davis, 126th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, President of the A.M.E. Council of Bishops, Presiding Bishop of the Sixteenth Episcopal District, and Vice-President of the World Methodist Council, transitioned from time to eternity.

 

Let us be in prayer for Supervisor Claytie Davis and the family, each other, The Sixteenth Episcopal District, The African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the

larger ecumenical community. 

 

 

In His Service,

 

 

Senior Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr., CEO

 

Dr. Jeanette L. Bouknight

Executive Secretary

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

"An Essential Church: Poised for 21st Century Ministry"

COMMITTEE ON EPISCOPACYOF THE 2010 GENERAL CONFERENCE CALLED TO MEET NOVEMBER 6th IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

In accordance with ¶431 of The Book of Discipline, Revised 2010, of The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Senior Bishop Paul A. G. Stewart, Sr., is calling the Committee on Episcopacy to meet immediately following the funeral of Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., in Washington, D.C. The meeting is being planned for the site of the funeral on Wednesday, November 6, 2013.

Committee members are urged to contact Wendy Casey at 704-345-3314 – immediately - to make travel arrangements.  Members are also urged to contact the offices of their presiding bishops for further information, if needed.

THE COLLEGE OF BISHOPS

Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr., Senior Bishop and CEO

Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III, Secretary

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr. 

Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. 

Bishop Kenneth W. Carter 

Bishop James B. Walker

Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr.

Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, Chair 

Bishop Godwin T. Umoette 

Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham

Bishop E. Lynn Brown

Bishop Othal H. Lakey

Bishop William H. Graves

Bishop Marshall Gilmore

Bishop Dotcy I. Isom, Jr.

Services for Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.

The Homegoing Celebration for Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., will be Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at 11:00 A.M. at the Cramton Auditorium, Howard University Campus, 2455 Sixth Street, N.W., Washington D.C.  Viewing will be at the Auditorium from 9:00 A.M. until time of service.

The family has also planned an abbreviated Memorial Service on Monday, November 11, 2013, at the West Side Community C.M.E. Church, 2114 Martin Luther King Drive, Atlanta, Georgia, at 11:00 A.M.  Interment will follow at the Westview Cemetery in Atlanta.

Hotel arrangements can be made for those attending the Washington service with the following hotels:  Homewood Suites, $169.00 per night plus tax, 8728 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Maryland (301-562-4012); Doubletree Hotel, 8727 Colesville Road, Silver Spring Maryland, $139.00 per night plus tax (301-589-5200); and Hampton Inn, 8728 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Maryland (301-588-5887).

Reese/Bacon Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. The funeral home address is 3447 14th Street, N.W., Washington D.C.  20010. Telephone for the funeral home is 202-286-4384; fax is 202-483-0156.

Mrs. Ocie Hoyt can be reached at home at 202-882-4916.

THE COLLEGE OF BISHOPS

Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr., Acting Senior Bishop and CEO
Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III, Secretary
Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr.
Bishop Kenneth W. Carter
Bishop James B. Walker
Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr.
Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, Chair
Bishop Godwin T. Umoette
Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham
Bishop E. Lynn Brown
Bishop Othal H. Lakey
Bishop William H. Graves
Bishop Marshall Gilmore
Bishop Dotcy I. Isom, Jr.

Passing of Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.


The Senior Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Bishop Thomas Lanier Hoyt, Jr. made his transition today, Sunday, October 27, 2013, at 2:43 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.  No other information is available at this time. Our prayers continually go out for Mrs. Ocie Hoyt and the Hoyt family during this hour of bereavement.

Notice given by Executive Secretary of the CME Church Dr. Jeanette Bouknight

2013-14 Liturgical Calendar (Corrected)
First Sunday of Advent (Purple)
December 1, 2013
   - Isaiah 2:1-5
   - Psalm 122
   - Romans 13:11-14
   - Matthew 24:36-44

Second Sunday of Advent
December 8, 2013
   - Isaiah 11:1-10
   - Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
   - Romans 15:4-13
   - Matthew 3:1-12

Third Sunday of Advent
December 15, 2013
   - Isaiah 35:1-10
   - Psalm 146:5-10
or Luke 1:46b-55
   - James 5:7-10
   - Matthew 11:2-11

Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 22, 2013
   - Isaiah 7:10-16
   - Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
   - Romans 1:1-7
   - Matthew 1:18-25

Christmas Day (White)
  - Isaiah 52:7-10
  - Psalm 98
  - Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12)
  - John 1:1-14

First Sunday after Christmas
December 29, 2013
   - Isaiah 63:7-9
   - Psalm 148
   - Hebrews 2:10-18
   - Matthew 2:13-23

New Year's Day
January 1, 2014
   - Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
   - Psalm 8
   - Revelation 21:1-6a
   - Matthew 25:31-46
Second Sunday after Christmas
January 5, 2014
   - Jeremiah 31:7-14
   - Psalm 147:12-20
   - Ephesians 1:3-14
   - John 1:(1-9), 10-18
Epiphany of the Lord
January 6, 2014
   - Isaiah 60:1-6
   - Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
   - Ephesians 3:1-12
   - Matthew 2:1-12

Baptism of the Lord (Green)
January 12, 2014
   - Isaiah 42:1-9
   - Psalm 29
   - Acts 10:34-43
   - Matthew 3:13-17

Second Sunday after Epiphany January 19, 2014
   - Isaiah 49:1-7
   - Psalm 40:1-11
   - 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
   - John 1:29-42

Third Sunday after the Epiphany
January 26, 2014
   - Isaiah 9:1-4
   - Psalm 27:1, 4-9
   - 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
   - Matthew 4:12-23

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany February 2, 2014
   - Micah 6:1-8
   - Psalm 15
   - 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
   - Matthew 5:1-12

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
February 9, 2014
   - Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)
   - Psalm 112:1-9 (10)
   - 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)
   - Matthew 5:13-20

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
February 16, 2014
   - Deuteronomy 30:15-20
   - Psalm 119:1-8
   - 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
   - Matthew 5:21-37

Seventh Sunday after Epiphany February 23, 2014
   - Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
   - Psalm 119:33-40
   - 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23
   - Matthew 5:38-48

Transfiguration Sunday
(Last Sunday before Lent)
March 2, 2014
   - Exodus 24:12-18
   - Psalm 2 or Psalm 99
   - 2 Peter 1:16-21
   - Matthew 17:1-9

Ash Wednesday
March 5, 2014
   - Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
or Isaiah 58:1-12
   - Psalm 51:1-17
   - 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
   - Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

First Sunday in Lent (Purple)
March 9, 2014
   - Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
   - Psalm 32
   - Romans 5:12-19
   - Matthew 4:1-11

Second Sunday in Lent
March 16, 2014
   - Genesis 12:1-4a
   - Psalm 121
   - Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
   - John 3:1-17 or Matthew 17:1-9

Third Sunday in Lent
March 23, 2014
   - Exodus 17:1-7
   - Psalm 95
   - Romans 5:1-11
   - John 4:5-42

Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 30, 2014
   - 1 Samuel 16:1-13
   - Psalm 23
   - Ephesians 5:8-14
   - John 9:1-41

Fifth Sunday in Lent
April 6, 2014
   - Ezekiel 37:1-14
   - Psalm 130
   - Romans 8:6-11
   - John 11:1-45

Palm Sunday
April 13, 2014
   - Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
   - Matthew 21:1-11

Liturgy of the Passion
April 13, 2014
   - Isaiah 50:4-9a
   - Psalm 31:9-16
   - Philippians 2:5-11
   - Matthew 26:14-27:66
or Matthew 27:11-54

Monday of Holy Week
April 14, 2014
   - Isaiah 42:1-9
   - Psalm 36:5-11
   - Hebrews 9:11-15
   - John 12:1-11

Tuesday of Holy Week
April 15, 2014
   - Isaiah 49:1-7
   - Psalm 71:1-14
   - 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
   - John 12:20-36

Wednesday of Holy Week
April 16, 2014
   - Isaiah 50:4-9a
   - Psalm 70
   - Hebrews 12:1-3
   - John 13:21-32

Maundy Thursday
April 17, 2014
   - Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14
   - Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
   - 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
   - John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Good Friday
April 18, 2014
   - Isaiah 52:13-53:12
   - Psalm 22
   - Hebrews 10:16-25
or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
   - John 18:1-19:42

Easter Vigil
April 19, 2014
Old Testament Readings and Psalms
   - Genesis 1:1-2:4a
and Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26
   - Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18;
9:8-13 and Psalm 46
   - Genesis 22:1-18 and Psalm 16
   - Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21
and Exodus 15:1b-13,
17-18
   - Isaiah 55:1-11 and Isaiah 12:2-6
   - Baruch 3:9-15, 3:32-4:4
or Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21;
9:4b-6 and Psalm 19
   - Ezekiel 36:24-28
and Psalm 42, 43
   - Ezekiel 37:1-14 and Psalm 143
   - Zephaniah 3:14-20
and Psalm 98
New Testament Reading
and Psalm
   - Romans 6:3-11
and Psalm 114
Gospel
   - Matthew 28:1-10

Resurrection of the Lord
- Easter Sunday (White)
April 20, 2014
   - Acts 10:34-43
or Jeremiah 31:1-6
   - Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
   - Colossians 3:1-4
or Acts 10:34-43
   - John 20:1-18
or Matthew 28:1-10

Easter Evening
April 20, 2014
   - Isaiah 25:6-9
   - Psalm 114
   - 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
   - Luke 24:13-49

Second Sunday of Easter
April 27, 2014
   - Acts 2:14a, 22-32
   - Psalm 16
   - 1 Peter 1:3-9
   - John 20:19-31

Third Sunday of Easter
May 4, 2014
   - Acts 2:14a, 36-41
   - Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
   - 1 Peter 1:17-23
   - Luke 24:13-35

Fourth Sunday of Easter
May 11, 2014
   - Acts 2:42-47
   - Psalm 23
   - 1 Peter 2:19-25
   - John 10:1-10

Fifth Sunday of Easter
May 18, 2014
   - Acts 7:55-60
   - Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
   - 1 Peter 2:2-10
   - John 14:1-14

Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 25, 2014
   - Acts 17:22-31
   - Psalm 66:8-20
   - 1 Peter 3:13-22
   - John 14:15-21

Ascension of the Lord
May 29, 2014
   - Acts 1:1-11
   - Psalm 47 or Psalm 93
   - Ephesians 1:15-23
   - Luke 24:44-53
Seventh Sunday of Easter
June 1, 2014
   - Acts 1:6-14
   - Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
   - 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
   - John 17:1-11

Day of Pentecost (Red)
June 8, 2014
   - Acts 2:1-21
or Numbers 11:24-30
   - Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
   - 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
or Acts 2:1-21
   - John 20:19-23
or John 7:37-39

Trinity Sunday
First Sunday after Pentecost
June 15, 2014
   - Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Psalm 8
   - 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
   - Matthew 28:16-20

Second Sunday after Pentecost
June 22, 2014
   - Genesis 21:8-21
and Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17
   - Jeremiah 20:7-13
and Psalm 69:7-10,
(11-15), 16-18
   - Romans 6:1b-11
   - Matthew 10:24-39

Third Sunday after Pentecost
June 29, 2014
   - Genesis 22:1-14
and Psalm 13
   - Jeremiah 28:5-9
and Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18
   - Romans 6:12-23
   - Matthew 10:40-42

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
July 6, 2014
   - Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49,
58-67 and Psalm 45:10-17
or Song of Solomon 2:8-13
   - Zechariah 9:9-12
and Psalm 145:8-14
   - Romans 7:15-25a
   - Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
July 13, 2014
   - Genesis 25:19-34
and Psalm 119:105-112
   - Isaiah 55:10-13
and Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13
   - Romans 8:1-11
   - Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
July 20, 2014
   - Genesis 28:10-19a
and Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24
   - Wisdom of Solomon 12:13,
16-19 or Isaiah 44:6-8
and Psalm 86:11-17
   - Romans 8:12-25
   - Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
July 27, 2014
   - Genesis 29:15-28
and Psalm 105:1-11, 45b
or Psalm 128
   - 1 Kings 3:5-12
and Psalm 119:129-136
   - Romans 8:26-39
   - Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
August 3, 2014
   - Genesis 32:22-31
and Psalm 17:1-7, 15
   - Isaiah 55:1-5
and Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21
   - Romans 9:1-5
   - Matthew 14:13-21
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
August 10, 2014
   - Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
and Psalm 105: 1-6,
16-22, 45b
   - 1 Kings 19:9-18
and Psalm 85:8-13
   - Romans 10:5-15
   - Matthew 14:22-33

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
August 17, 2014
   - Genesis 45:1-15 and Psalm 133
   - Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 and Psalm 67
   - Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
   - Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
August 24, 2014
   - Exodus 1:8-2:10
and Psalm 124
   - Isaiah 51:1-6 and Psalm 138
   - Romans 12:1-8
   - Matthew 16:13-20

Kingdomtide (Green)
August 31, 2014
   - Exodus 3:1-15
and Psalm 105:1-6,
23-26, 45b
   - Jeremiah 15:15-21
and Psalm 26:1-8
   - Romans 12:9-21
   - Matthew 16:21-28

Second Sunday of Kingdomtide
September 7, 2014
   - Exodus 12:1-14 and Psalm 149
   - Ezekiel 33:7-11 and Psalm 119:33-40
   - Romans 13:8-14
   - Matthew 18:15-20

Third Sunday of Kingdomtide
September 14, 2014
   - Exodus 14:19-31
and Psalm 114
or Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21
   - Genesis 50:15-21
and Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13
   - Romans 14:1-12
   - Matthew 18:21-35

Fourth Sunday of Kingdomtide
September 21, 2014
   - Exodus 16:2-15 and Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
   - Jonah 3:10-4:11
and Psalm 145:1-8
   - Philippians 1:21-30
   - Matthew 20:1-16

Fifth Sunday of Kingdomtide
September 28, 2014
   - Exodus 17:1-7
and Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16
   - Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
and Psalm 25:1-9
   - Philippians 2:1-13
   - Matthew 21:23-32

Sixth Sunday of Kingdomtide
October 5, 2014
   - Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
and Psalm 19
   - Isaiah 5:1-7 and Psalm 80:7-15
   - Philippians 3:4b-14
   - Matthew 21:33-46

Seventh Sunday of Kingdomtide
October 12, 2014
   - Exodus 32:1-14
and Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
   - Isaiah 25:1-9 and Psalm 23
   - Philippians 4:1-9
   - Matthew 22:1-14

Eighth Sunday of Kingdomtide
October 19, 2014
   - Exodus 33:12-23 and Psalm 99
   - Isaiah 45:1-7
and Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13)
   - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
   - Matthew 22:15-22

Ninth Sunday of Kingdomtide
October 26, 2014
   - Deuteronomy 34:1-12
and Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17
   - Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18
and Psalm 1
   - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
   - Matthew 22:34-46

All Saints Day
November 1, 2014
   - Revelation 7:9-17
and Psalm 34:1-10, 22
   - 1 John 3:1-3
   - Matthew 5:1-12

Tenth Sunday of Kingdomtide
November 2, 2014
   - Joshua 3:7-17
and Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37
   - Micah 3:5-12 and Psalm 43
   - 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
   - Matthew 23:1-12

Eleventh Sunday of Kingdomtide
November 9, 2014
   - Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
and Psalm 78:1-7
   - Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16
or Amos 5:18-24
and Wisdom of Solomon
6:17-20 or Psalm 70
   - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
   - Matthew 25:1-13

Twlefth Sunday of Kingdomtide
November 16, 2014
   - Judges 4:1-7 and Psalm 123
   - Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 and Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12
   - 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
   - Matthew 25:14-30

Thirteenth Sunday-Kingdomtide
November 23, 2014
   - Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
and Psalm 100
   - Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
and Psalm 95:1-7a
   - Ephesians 1:15-23
   - Matthew 25:31-46

Thanksgiving Day, USA
November 27, 2014
   - Deuteronomy 8:7-18
and Psalm 65
   - 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
   - Luke 17:11-19

Arrangements for Mrs.Connie Lane

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

Regretfully we inform you of the passing of Mrs. Connie Lane, sister of Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, General Secretary, Department of Christian Education.  Mrs. Lane who was 52 years of age passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2013.

Family Hour
Saturday, October 26, 2013
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Royal Funeral Home, Inc.
5315 Oakwood Avenue NW
Huntsville, Alabama 35810
(256) 534-8481

Funeral Service
Sunday, October 27, 2013
10:00 a.m.
Trinity Seventh-Day Adventist Church
823 Brownsberry Street
Athens, Alabama 35611-3105
Pastor Willie Taylor, Officiating
Dr. S. J. Jackson, Eulogist
(Mrs. Lane will lie in state one hour prior to the Funeral Service.)

Interment
Valhalla Memory Gardens
700 Winchester Road, NE
Huntsville, AL 35811
Phone: (256) 852-8500

Online acknowledgements may be left at:
http://www.royalfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2290087&fh_id=10249

Condolences may be sent to:
Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, General Secretary
Department of Christian Education
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
4466 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Suite 300
Memphis, TN 38116

Please keep Dr. Crutchfield and the Lane family in your prayers.

In His Service,

Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., Chairman
Department of Christian Education

Dr. Jeanette L. Bouknight
Executive Secretary
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
"An Essential Church: Poised for 21st Century Ministry"

18th Pastors' Conference

and

70th Annual Founders' Day Convocation

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Condolences for the Mahone family may be sent to: Rev. Carlton Mahone, Sr. P. O. Box 7021 Warner Robins, GA 31095 A Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Fannie M. Mahone the Mother of Rev. Carlton Mahone, Sr. Pastor of Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Macon will be held Friday, October 18, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. Central United Methodist Church 501 Mitchell Street S.W., Atlanta GA 30314 Service entrusted to Gus Thornhill’s Funeral Home 1315 Gus Thornhill Jr. Drive East Point, GA 30344 404-768-2993 Family & Friends traveling from out of town are invited to a repast at West Mitchell CME Church immediately following interment 560 M.L. King Jr. Drive SW, Atlanta, GA Please remember Rev. Mahone and his family in your prayers.

Update on Status of Senior Bishop Thomas Hoyt, Jr.

Dear Connectional members and friends:

As you are aware, our beloved Senior Bishop and Presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District, Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., experienced a health crisis on Sunday, September 22, 2013.  We feel it pertinent to update you on his status.

Bishop Hoyt was relocated to a healthcare facility in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, October 10, 2013.  He remains in serious condition and the family has requested no visitors, so please abide by their wishes.

Correspondence may be sent to Mrs. Ocie Hoyt and family at:
6524 16th Street NW
Washington, DC  20012

Please continue to pray that God will continue to heal Bishop Hoyt and give encouragement and comfort to the Hoyt family.

THE COLLEGE OF BISHOPS

Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr., Acting Senior Bishop
Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III, Secretary
Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr.
Bishop Kenneth W. Carter
Bishop James B. Walker
Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr.
Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, Chair
Bishop Godwin T. Umoette
Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham
Bishop E. Lynn Brown
Bishop Othal H. Lakey
Bishop William H. Graves
Bishop Marshall Gilmore
Bishop Dotcy I. Isom, Jr.

Dr. Jeanette L. Bouknight
Executive Secretary
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
"An Essential Church: Poised for 21st Century Ministry"

Correspondence Concerning Senior Bishop Hoyt

Cards or correspondence for Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., and Mrs. Ocie Hoyt can now be sent to the following location:

Kindred Hospital

c/o Mrs. Ocie Hoyt

1550 First Colony Boulevard

Sugar Land, TX 77479

Announcement for Health Care Plan

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A Pastoral and Administrative Statement from 
The College of Bishops About Senior Bishop Thomas Hoyt, Jr.

The College of Bishops of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
September 25, 2013

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:

     As you are acutely and painfully aware, on Sunday, September 23, 2013, our beloved Senior Bishop and Presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District, Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., experienced a health crisis.  Our prayers as well as yours are that God in God's merciful goodness will continue to heal and sustain Bishop Hoyt and continue to comfort Mrs. Ocie Hoyt.
     However, because the nature of his illness at the present time renders him unable to perform any administrative or sacred functions either as the Senior Bishop or as Presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District, the College of Bishops makes the following statement:
 Pursuant to  ¶437.2 of THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, REVISED 2010, to wit, The College of Bishops shall be the Executive Body of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church with authority to speak and act for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in the interim of the General Conference and the General Connectional Board;
and ¶437.6, to wit,

Unless otherwise directed by the General Conference, the College of Bishops shall, upon advice of the Legal Counsel, make the legal decisions and take the necessary steps necessary to preserve and protect the interests of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church;
and because of the undetermined extent of Bishop Hoyt's condition at the present time, The College of Bishops takes these actions:
     First, that Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr., shall be the Acting Senior Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church with all the authority appertaining thereto.
     Second, that the Acting Senior Bishop will assign associative episcopal leadership to provide episcopal supervision of the Seventh Episcopal District until such time as the Acting Senior Bishop is officially notified that Bishop Hoyt is medically able to resume full duties and responsibilities as Senior Bishop.
     Asking your continued prayers for Bishop Hoyt and his family as well as the Acting Senior Bishop, we remain,

THE COLLEGE OF BISHOPS

Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr.
Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III
Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr.
Bishop Kenneth W. Carter
Bishop James B. Walker
Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr.
Bishop Teresa E. Snorton
Bishop Godwin T. Umoette
Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham
Bishop E. Lynn Brown
Bishop Othal H. Lakey
Bishop William H. Graves
Bishop Marshall Gilmore
Bishop Dotcy I. Isom, Jr.

Services for Rev. Dr. Henry R. Delaney
Memorial Service for Rev. Dr. Henry Delaney will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013,  at 2 p.m. at the St. Paul CME Church, 1601 Barnard St., Savannah, Georgia.

Wake will be held Friday, Sept. 20, 2013, from 6-8 p.m. at the H.R. Delaney Ministries, 2718 Mechanics Ave., Thunderbolt, Georgia.

Dr. Henry Delaney Passes
We are saddened to hear of the passing Wednesday evening of Dr. Henry R. Delaney, the former pastor of the St. Paul CME Church, Savannah, Georgia. Funeral arrangements are pending. Please remember the Delaney family in prayer. The Christian Index was informed of Dr. Delaney's passing by the Delaney family.

Guidelines for Submitting to the Committee on Resolutions 

The Committee on Resolutions is appointed by the College of Bishops in accordance with ¶206 of THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, REVISED 2010. The following are pertinent paragraphs from THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, REVISED 2010:

¶206. There shall be a Committee on Resolutions appointed by the College of Bishops. Each Bishop shall appoint one member to the Resolutions Committee by September 1 of the year preceding the General Conference. The Presiding Bishop of the District shall publish the name of the committee member throughout the District.

¶206.1. All resolutions, memorials, and other materials contemplated for presentation to the General Conference shall be sent to the appropriate Episcopal District Resolutions Committee member on or before January 31 of the year of the General Conference.

 ¶206.2. Resolutions mailed, sent or given to the Episcopal District representative shall be examined by him or her to ascertain if they meet the requirements for proposed legislation (cf. ¶1500.7, §4).

All resolutions requiring changes in the wording and/or legal meanings of provisions in the Discipline shall state the paragraph, section, page and language to be changed and the language to be substituted. In addition to the requirements referenced, resolutions shall not contain more than three preamble paragraphs. If the resolutions do not meet the requirements, they shall be returned for corrections.
In addition to these paragraphs from The Book of Discipline, Revised 2010, the College of Bishops has agreed upon the following regulations for the sake of uniformity:

(1) Resolutions should be submitted in writing.
            (a) Hard copies given to or mailed to the Episcopal District Representative should be typed in 12 point font, on only one side of the paper. Multiple pages should be stapled together.
            (b) Resolutions submitted via email should be sent as an attachment in Word document format.
            (c) The submitter of the resolution must type his/her name, address, telephone, email and local church information on each page of the resolution.
            (d) Resolutions submitted on behalf of groups and organizations should clearly state this information and include one name as the point of contact.

(2) As directed by ¶206.2 above, all resolutions requiring changes in the wording and/or legal meanings of the provisions in the DISCIPLINE shall state the paragraph, section, page and language to be changed and the language to be substituted.

(3) As directed by ¶206.2, all Resolutions shall contain no more than three preamble paragraphs.

(4) Resolutions not meeting the above requirements will be returned for corrections. Corrected resolutions must be returned in time to meet the January 31, 2014 deadline.
Submitted by Lawrence L. Reddick III, Secretary of The College of Bishops

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ANNOUNCING: The CME Church Health Care Program
The leadership of the CME Church has accepted the offering of a three-part Health Care Program that will provide the opportunity for Clergy and Lay Employees of the CME Church to secure health insurance. The program will be administered by the General Board of Personnel Services and will provide the following:
        (1) Major Medical (Blue Cross Blue Shield) Group Plan for Local Church and Connectional employees under the age of 65;
        (2) A Medicare Supplement (Senior Choice) Group Plan for Local and Connectional employees 65 and older; and
        (3) A Medical Benefit (AFLAC) Group Plan that can be used in conjunction with either of these Plans.
Enrollment is scheduled to begin in early September and continue into October with the following projected effective dates:
        (1) January 1, 2014 for the Major Medical (Blue Cross Blue Shield) Group Plan;
        (2) October 1, 2013 for the Medicare Supplement (Seniors Choice) Group Plan; and
        (3) October 1, 2013 for the Medical Benefit (AFLAC) Group Plan.
This opportunity will signal the first time in our 143-year history that our denomination as a Servant Church will have had a national health insurance program.
Persons who would like to be notified of the opening of this program and receive additional information may have their names added to an email notification list by doing the following:
        (1) Go to the CME Website (www.thecmechurch.org)
        (2) Place cursor over “Departments” and click on “Connectional Departments”
        (3) Scroll down (if necessary) and click on “General Board of Personnel Services”
        (4) Scroll down (again if necessary) and click on “Health Care Notification Form”
        (5) Click your cursor on either the Clergy or Lay box [only click on one]
        (6) Complete the six (6) following required areas:
                a. Your first and last name
                b. Your (home) zip code [some rates may be determined by your zip code]
                c. Your birth “year” [do not include month or day]
                d. Your email address
                e. Your phone number [either mobile, residence or work]
                f. Your annual conference [not the Episcopal District]
        (7) Click on the submit button and you are finished!
When the enrollment period begins in September, you will receive an email notification
with the details of the plans and the instructions on how to proceed with the enrollment process. Enrollment will be by phone where specific and detailed questions may be answered. After submitting the notification information cited above, if you have additional questions you may contact the General Board of Personnel Services at (877) CME-GBPS or 263-4277.

Home Going Service for Rev. Douglas Lewis
(Minden District – Louisiana Region)

Saturday, August 24, 2013
12 Noon

Mt. Zion CME Church
Reverend Raymond Hampton, Pastor
414 East Union St.
Minden, LA 71055

All cards and expressions may be sent to:
Mrs. Naomi Lewis
153 Roosevelt Watson Road
Doyline, LA 71023

Please keep the Lewis and Mt. Zion CME Church Families in our prayers

Celebration of Life of Rev. Dr. H. Patricia Jones

The family of Rev. Dr. H. Patricia Jones, presiding elder of the Washington-Virginia District, announces the Celebration of Life and Homegoing Service. The service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Israel Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 557 Randolph Street, NW, Washington, DC. The church phone number is (202) 723-5795. The family visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Cards and expressions of condolences may be sent to the family at 340 Oneida Street, NE, Washington, DC 20011.

Please keep the family and loved ones lifted up in prayer.

Texas College Accredited

Dear Texas College Family and Friends:

I am pleased to announce that the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) has awarded the status of "Accredited"  (without any sanctions and no further reports due) to Texas College.

I am also pleased to announce that the Teacher Preparation Program has received the status of "Accredited" by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). These are Herculean accomplishments and ones that I hope we can all be proud of. Thank all of you who  assisted in making this possible. I declare that God has His hands on this institution and we continue to have a mighty work ahead of us. May God continue to bless you all.

Regards,

Dwight J. Fennell, Ph.D.
President

Miles College's Accreditation Reaffirmed by SACS
June 21, 2013, Fairfield, AL – Miles College's accreditation has been reaffirmed by the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) at its June
Board meeting.
President George T. French announced today that Miles College has earned accreditation of
reaffirmation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) for another
decade. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
(SACSCOC) is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education
institutions in the Southern states. The Commission’s mission is the enhancement of educational
quality throughout the region and the improvement of the effectiveness of institutions by
ensuring that they meet standards established by higher education stakeholders.
The SACSCOC Board informed President French that it was determined and ruled that Miles
College is in compliance with all principles required for accreditation, there being over 80. The
full granting of accreditation by SACSCOC means it has been unequivocally found that Miles
College has strong leadership, quality academic programs, and is financially sound.
"The SACSCOC reaffirmation process is a rigorous and necessary review to insure that member institutions provide adequate educational programs and support services to foster quality student learning and a collegiate experience in a fiscally sound environment. Miles College is a premier learning institution which makes paramount service to our students and community. We celebrate this milestone reaffirmation by our peers. Our dedicated faculty, staff, administration and board of trustees, along with national recognition of our students, quality educational programs, and solid financial base offer key indicators that we are excelling in achieving our institutional mission,” said Miles College President Dr. George T. French, Jr.
The news of reaffirmation comes amidst a time of unprecedented growth of the institution. Miles
College is the fourth most financially stable UNCF member institution, based upon review of its
Composite Financial Index (CFI), an index which tracks key ratios of institutional financial
stability and position for growth. Miles CFI positions the institution with a sound financial base
with the necessary resources to engage aggressive planned growth.
Financially poised, Miles College has engaged in a $20 million dollar capital improvement
project to include the simultaneous construction of three new campus facilities: the Bishop
Teresa Snorton Residence Hall, a 204 bed facility; the President George T. French, Jr. Student
Activity Center, to include a movie theater, Starbucks, and a state-of-the-art dining hall; and a
high-tech Welcome and Admissions Center, all slated for service in the fall of 2013.
The SACSCOC institutional review process takes place every ten years, and Miles College accreditation has been reaffirmed through 2023.

Impact Oklahoma Relief 
Significant sectors in the Oklahoma Region have been devastated by  a series of deadly tornadoes. These severe storms destroyed homes and businesses, in addition to claiming numerous lives, most of which were children. As of this date, no CME families and or facilities have reported storm related losses, but our neighbors are hurting, and as the people of God we must respond to their pain.

Bishop James B. Walker, Presiding Bishop of the Ninth Episcopal District, Presiding Elder Paul Everett, Presiding Elder of the Oklahoma City and Tulsa Districts, along with the Pastors and Members of the Oklahoma Region have launched “Impact Oklahoma” in order to support the relief efforts in the affected areas.

In order to undergird this effort, the College of Bishops invites every CME church in the connection to take up a SPECIAL OFFERING during the month of June for the “Impact Oklahoma” tornado relief efforts.  Please make checks payable to the “CME Department of Finance,” with “Impact Oklahoma” in the memo line. Please send all checks to your Presiding Bishop no later than June 30, 2013. The funds will then be made available through the CME Disaster Relief Fund at the direction of Bishop Walker.  Thank you for sharing during this pivotal moment in the lives of Oklahomans.

Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr., Chair
College of Bishops

4th Episcopal District loses 
Pastors Rev. Cecil Beatty and Rev. Isaac Edward Deberry
The Rev. Cecil Beatty, 81 died May 31, 2013, at Rush Specialty Hospital in Meridian, MS. Services were held on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Glenn Chapel CME Church, with Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. officiating. Burial followed in Calumet Park Cemetery.

Rev. Beatty was formerly employed as Assistant Principal at Baily Middle School in Gary, Indiana, and pastored various CME churches. Survivors include his wife, Rev. Oleather Beatty of Macon, MS; children, John and Kimberly Beatty, both of Muncie, Indiana, Adrienne Edwards, Allison Jones and Denein Ford, all of Redford, Michigan and Dennis Jones of Dallas; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

PASTOR ISAAC EDWARD DEBERRY, 72, Pastor of Walton Chapel CME Church, Waterford, MS, died June 2, 2013. Visitation, 3-6 p.m., Thursday, June 6th at E.H. Ford Mortuary. Services are scheduled for noon, Friday, June 7th at Hurts Chapel CME Church, Olive Branch, MS.

Burial will follow in Mt. Moriah CME Church Cemetery, Como, MS.  Pastor Deberry was preceded in death by a son, Gervonni Deberry. He leaves his wife, Ann Deberry; two daughters, Tenje Payne and Michelle Deberry; three sons, Glenn E. Deberry, Isaac E. Deberry, Jr., and Donald D. Deberry, Sr.; six sisters, Naomi Humphreys, Esther Carter, Cora Harris, Mattie Turman, Millie Higgenbottom and Shirley Deberry; two brothers, Rivers Deberry and Eric Alexander, and a host of grandchildren.

E.H. Ford Mortuary (901) 345-9558

Submitted by Pene' Woods

Executive Secretary Dr. Jeanette Bouknight (center) with (l-r)
Dr. Donald Madlock, Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.,
Dr. Jerry Christian, Dr. Tyrone Davis, and Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham

Executive Secretary Jeanette Bouknight receives 

honorary doctorate from Texas College

May 4, 2013 was a beautiful and sun filled Saturday in Tyler, Texas as Dr. Dwight Fennell, President of Texas College, led the assemblage of distinguished dignitaries, proud parents, family members, cheering friends and excited students in the Annual Commencement Exercises for the Historically Black College founded by and affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.  A highpoint of the Commencement service was the presentation and conferring of the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters on Jeanette L. Bouknight, Executive Secretary of the CME Church.  Following the reading of the Citation by Board Trustee Dr. Tyrone T. Davis, General Secretary of the Board of Personnel Services, President Fennell conferred the degree on Dr. Bouknight in the company of Board Chair, Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., and Board Vice-Chair, Dr. Jerry Christian.  Also present for the occasion were members of her family including her parents, Reverend and Mrs. Joseph Bouknight, Sr., her sister, Barbara, and her son, Joseph.

Elected Executive Secretary of the CME Church in July, 2010, Dr. Bouknight was cited for her long and distinguished career in corporate America and her contributions to the CME Church.  An associate of arts graduate of Wayne County College, she subsequently earned the bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Davenport University in Dearborn, Michigan.  Her proficient expertise was initially demonstrated as a purchasing agent with Quaker Chemical Company and her corporate career culminated with her retirement in 2008 from 3M after 32 year of service as a Marketing Services Administrator whose talents embraced and shared the skills of planning, organization, implementation, and negotiation with companies in the travel industry.

In addition to her responsibilities as Executive Secretary which include administering the operations of the Connectional Headquarters and serving as a liaison between the CME Church and other ecumenical bodies, Dr. Bouknight serves as the meeting planner for the CME Church and treasurer of the CME General Officers Council.  Dr. Bouknight resides in Detroit, Michigan and is a member of Central CME Church in the Michigan-Indiana Region of the Third Episcopal District. Dr. Bouknight was honored on Sunday, May 12 to have her pastor, the Rev. Patricia A. Havis, share her accomplishment with her church family, the Central CME Church.

Submitted by Dr. Tyrone T. Davis

Dr. Kenneth E. Jones Announces Candidacy for Bishop

Greetings My CME Friends and Colleagues:

After a great deal of thought, prayer, and consulting with family members and close friends (as well as powers that be), I am hereby announcing my candidacy for the Episcopacy in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 2014. This is my third attempt to seek this high office, so you can be assured that I am doing it not without knowledge of how the political system works in our church.

Some of you will question why I am “throwing my hat into the race” at this stage of the process—considering we are only one year out from next year’s General Conference. Some perhaps will say it’s too late—that the Church has already made up its mind. To these things I can only say that a man or a woman can only move when they feel the stirring of the heart inside of them. Without that stirring, declaring openly a weighty decision such as this is only a “resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” Today, my words are not empty. They are strong and true.

I have no idea the decisions the church will make next year. I only know that my work, serving as editor of our historic The Christian Index speaks for itself. You have elected me four times to this coveted position—in 1998, 2002, 2006, and in 2010.  Now fifteen years into this ministry, I am the second longest serving editor in the history of the 146 years of this publication. If I am so blessed to make it to the General Conference in 2014 as editor, my tenure of service will tie that of only Bishop L.L. Reddick III, as the denomination’s longest serving editor.  Only Dr. Joseph C. Neal, Jr., Chief Financial Officer, exceeds me as a General Officer in the CME Church in tenure.  So, quite honestly, I am very proud of my record, and I am very humbled to have served the Church for so long.

I believe it is this kind of seasoned experience, knowledge of the CME Church, longevity as a pastor, and as a well-noted educator, that can serve our Church very well on the Episcopal level moving forward. Your continued support of my work as editor over the years says that you trust my judgment and leadership.

My loving wife, former Vice President of the Connectional Ministers’ Spouses, Widows and Widowers Department Mrs. Frances Washington Jones and I are both well known throughout the Connection. We have worked side-by-side and proven ourselves to be strong, loyal CMEs who are time-tested, persistent, and accomplished.  We make a formidable team. We were on the trail for Bishop in 2006 and 2010. We are coming before you again in 2014. We solicit your prayers, your support, and of course your vote. We look forward to hearing from you.

Trusting God,

Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Jones
Editor of The Christian Index, The Daily Index and The Christian Index Online
Candidate for Bishop 2014

Pastor Johnathan Bass (third from left) and scholarship recipients.

Mt. Nebo (Ms.) Oratorical Scholarship Contest

              Baldwyn, MS—Mount Nebo CME understands that preparing students for the future takes a community effort.  On Saturday, April 27, 2013, the church sponsored its first Oratorical Scholarship Contest.  The contest was open to all graduating seniors from Mount Nebo, and the students were given the topic “My Future Looks Brighter Because...”   Students were required to write a 4 to 5 minute speech, memorize it, and present it to an audience.  
    “We believe in investing in our kids,” said Pastor Johnathan Bass.  As graduating seniors prepare for college and life, Mount Nebo views the oratory experience as another opportunity to develop future leaders by fostering their ability to be prepared, to think, and to speak clearly.  For participants Faith Shelley and Antonio Price, it was their very first time to present a speech from memory.  Kelsey Agnew said, "Mount Nebo's Oratorical Contest was a wonderful experience to improve my public speaking ability, and this experience will have a major impact on future speaking endeavors.”  Other seniors who participated in the contest were Dominique Hicks, Shantierra Eades, and Krissa Grice.  
With 11 graduating seniors in the 2013 class, Mount Nebo is proud of each one, and has already begun planning to make the Oratorical Scholarship Contest an annual event.  

Arrangements for Ms. Susie A. Owens
Funeral Service for Ms. Susie Owens
Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at 1 p.m.
Lane Chapel CME Church
Rev. Dr. Cheryl Penson, pastor
1509 North Madison St.
Tupelo, MS 38801

Visitation
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
5-7 p.m.

Greyson-Porter’s Mortuary
401 N. Spring
Tupelo, MS 38802
662-842-4748

Please send condolences to the Funeral Home
or the home of Ms. Susie Owens
609 N. Green St.
Tupelo, MS 38804

Please keep the Owens Family in prayer

Thomas Louis Brown, Sr., Presiding Bishop
4th Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME)
5417 Robinson Road Extension
Jackson, Mississippi 39204
Office: (601) 373-0075
Fax: (601) 373-0997
Email: Fourthdistrict_cme@att.net
Webpage: 4thdistrictcme.org

THE PASSING OF MS. SUSIE A. OWENS

A Committed and Passionate Woman of God

Arrangements are incomplete. Please keep her family

in your prayers.

We regret to inform you of the sudden passing of Ms. Susie Ann Owens earlier this

evening (May 7, 2013) in Tupelo, MS. She was a member of Lane Chapel CME Church,

Tupelo, MS. She served as chairperson of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee of the

Women’s Missionary Council of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; former

Director of Christian Education for the North MS Region. Ms. Owens was a retired

educator but continued to mentor and guide young people.

Submitted by Pene' Woods

Passing of AMEZ Bishop Roy A. Holmes

It is with great sadness that I must share this email with you. The A. M. E. Zion Church has lost another episcopal leader in Bishop Roy A. Holmes. The home going celebrations are described below:

The Service of Triumph for Bishop Roy A. Holmes will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at the:

Metropolitan AME Zion Church
2051 Main Street
Hartford, Connecticut   06120
860-527-7087
Public viewing will be 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., and service will be 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, etc. the family is requesting donations be made to the:

Hood Theological Seminary
1810 Lutheran Synod Drive
Salisbury, North Carolina  28144
704-636-7611

The family will establish the Bishop Roy A. Holmes Scholarship Fund at Hood Theological Seminary.  Gifts will be acknowledged by the Holmes family.


The Service of Triumph will be held on Monday, May 13, 2013 at the:

Greater Walters AME Zion Church
8422 S. Damen Avenue
Chicago, Illinois   60620
773-779-8400

Visitation hour will be at 9:30 a.m. and service will begin at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, etc. the family is requesting donations be made to the:

Hood Theological Seminary
1810 Lutheran Synod Drive
Salisbury, North Carolina   28144
704-636-7611

The family will establish the Bishop Roy A. Holmes Scholarship Fund at Hood Theological Seminary.  Gifts will be acknowledged by the Holmes family.


God's peace and blessings,


Bishop George E. Battle, Jr.
Senior Bishop of the AME. Zion Church

Passing of Rev. V.T. Thompson
The 4th Episcopal District and the Mississippi South Region mourns the loss of an outstanding pastor, preacher, and presiding elder.  Rev. Vester Thompson was a great leader and loved by all in the Bassfield, Mississippi area and beyond. He served as presiding elder of the Gloster-Hattiesburg District for many years and pastored many churches in the region—Star Hill and Sharon CME churches in Gloster, MS; Blackmon Temple CME Church and Pleasant Grove CME Church and others. At the ripe age of 95, he continued to mentor, worship, and serve at his home church with Pastor Gerald Hudson at Holly Springs CME in Bassfield. His arrangements are as follows.

Homegoing Services:
Saturday, April 20, 2013 11 a.m.
Sweetwater CME Church 8154, Highway 35
Prentiss, MS 39474
Rev. Earnest Thompson

His Body has been entrusted to:
Venma Park Funeral Home
105 East Street
Collins, MS 39428
(601) 765-3131
Please keep his children and family in your prayers. All condolences should be sent to the funeral home. If you need further information, contact his son, Rev. Jerry Thompson at (228) 238-4192.